SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Dennis Rodman, never short on loud opinions, said Brooklyn’s Chris Mullin played in the wrong system in the NBA and could’ve been as good as Larry Bird if he was in the right place.

Rodman and Mullin, a five-time All-Star and former St. John’s superstar, are the two headliners for Friday night’s Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. Rodman created waves by wearing a shiny black tank top and big dark shades during Thursday’s formal press conference. Rodman was saved by being forced to wear the Hall of Fame’s black blazer during the formalities.

“Chris had the smoothest jump shot as a lefty – snap and pop and boom,’’ Rodman said. “He was smooth when he shot the ball. He could have been the second coming of Larry Bird. They had the same mannerisms and mindset. ‘’

“Chris Mullin is a very smart guy on the court like Larry Bird,’’ Rodman added. “Chris had the opportunity. He was just in the wrong system in Golden State. If he would’ve been in Boston, he would’ve shined big time. That’s his type of game. Slow down, run the offense, come off picks and shoot it. He would’ve been big time. Being on a team like Golden State with what they called Run TMC, he was the slowest guy on that damn team. But he made the best of it. He scored 17,000 points. He deserves to be in.’’‘

Mullin disagreed strongly, saying “Run TMC with Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond in Oakland was the best thing that ever happened to him after alcohol issues sidetracked the early part of his career.

“It was just when I got my game together just got my life together,’’ Mullin said. “We were young energetic. Just what I needed. It made the game easy for me. They had a lot of skills I didn’t have. Things I was able to do offset their limitations. They belong here. ’’

Mullin said if he had the length of Bird, “I would’ve been good in any system.’’

“I like Chris,’’ Rodman said. “I tried to make a joke with Chris. How the hell did you get in here. But he deserves it. You can make a great debate. Chris scored 17,000 points and Reggie Miller (who got denied in the voting) scored 27,000.’’

Rodman said “the criterion to get in the Hall of Fame, that debate will come pretty soon.’’